Schizophrenia

= SCHIZOPHRENIA =

**What is it?** A splitting of psychic processes and a split from reality which could take the form of hallucinations or delusions. One of the complex and most devastating of all the mental illnesses schizophrenia is one of the most common psychotic disorders that is life-long affecting 0.5 to 1 percent of the population in the U.S. The category that this illness falls under is paranoia schizophrenia in a category all its own.

**Symptoms and Signs** Symptoms include: -An alteration in a person's thoughts and perceptions -Hallucinations and delusions -Disorders of thoughts and speech -Brain deficits -Difficulty sleeping -Difficulty concentrating -Thoughts jump from topic to topic -False beliefs that others are trying to harm you or your loved ones -Suicide thoughts

**Causes** Cause is not yet known, but evidence shows that genetic/environmental factors play a role.

**Genetic/ Common in Families?** Usually a combination of a family member who carries the gene and environmental influences that contribute to the development of the illness later in life if not from an early start. Females and males are effected equally, although females develop the illness later in life. Developing the illness before the age of 12 is rare but if it does happen it worsens with age.

**Public Perception** The public belief of this illness is that it is a splitting of personalities, but it is really a splitting of psychic processes.

**Treatments** -Antipsychotic medicines -During an episode you may have to stay in the hospital for safety reasons -Frequent doctor visits -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

For more information or if you suspect a family member with signs or symptoms of this illness, please visit www.schizophrenia.com.

**Other disorders that relate:** -@Obsessive Compulsive Disorder -@Multiple Personality


 * References**

Bernabeo, Paul. "Schizophrenia." //Diseases and Disorders//. Vol. 3. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2008. 755-58. Print.

"Introduction to Schizophrenia." //Schizophrenia.com, Indepth Schizophrenia Information and Support//. 2010. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. .

"Schizophrenia." //PubMed Health//. Ed. Linda J. Vorick. U.S National Library of Medicine, 2 July 2010. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. .